Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.